Ocean Freight Operator

Metro; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Health & wellness perks

Training & development

Career growth

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Metro is recruiting an Ocean Export professional to join our Birmingham team and manage international freight operations from end to end.

You will build strong customer relationships, coordinate documentation, arrange haulage with shipping lines, and ensure accurate invoicing while using ERP systems like SAP and Cargowise.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of ocean freight operations.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Building strong relationships with customers to deliver outstanding service.
• Coordinating timely freight movement with complete and accurate documentation.
• Arranging haulage with shipping lines and ensuring dispatch readiness.
• Managing invoicing and document checks with precision.
• Resolving queries quickly and professionally.
• Communicating clearly with overseas agents, suppliers, and customers.
• Navigating ERP and SAP systems to support client operations.
• Taking ownership of your development and staying ahead in your field.

Skills

Ocean freight operations

Attention to detail

Under pressure

Numerical skills

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

MS Office

Cargowise experience

Team mindset

Time management

Self-motivation

Tools

Cargowise

Job description

Join Metro – Moving Freight. Driving Innovation. Building Careers.

At Metro, we're redefining what great logistics looks like. Combining industry expertise with innovative technology, we deliver seamless global supply chain solutions across air, ocean and road freight, helping some of the world's most recognised brands move their business forward.

But what truly sets us apart is our people.

We're a business that values fresh thinking, encourages new ideas and gives talented individuals the freedom to make a real impact. Whether you're supporting customers, solving complex logistics challenges or shaping the future of our operations, you'll be part of a collaborative team that celebrates success and supports your growth.

Everything we do is built around our values:

• Customer First – We build lasting relationships by delivering exceptional service and solutions.
• Agile – We move with pace, adapt to change and embrace new opportunities.
• Progressive – We continuously learn, improve and invest in our people.
• Innovative – We challenge the status quo and use technology to create smarter outcomes.
• Committed – We take ownership, support each other and deliver on our promises.

We’re looking for a customer-focused Ocean Export professional to join our high-performing team based at our Birmingham Business Park HQ.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love solving problems, and want to be part of a company that values innovation and growth - this is your next career move.

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of our Ocean Customer Services team, you’ll be the heartbeat of our international freight operations, ensuring goods travel smoothly across borders and oceans. Your role will include:

• Building strong relationships with customers to deliver outstanding service.
• Coordinating timely freight movement with complete and accurate documentation.
• Arranging haulage with shipping lines and ensuring dispatch readiness.
• Managing invoicing and document checks with precision.
• Resolving queries quickly and professionally.
• Communicating clearly with overseas agents, suppliers, and customers.
• Navigating ERP and SAP systems to support client operations.
• Taking ownership of your development and staying ahead in your field.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced, but passionate about logistics. You’ll need:

• Solid knowledge of ocean freight operations.
• A sharp eye for detail and understanding of its commercial impact.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and Windows systems (Cargowise experience is a plus).
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with great time management.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and self-motivation.

Why Metro?

We believe in rewarding our people. Here’s a selection of what you’ll enjoy:

• Discretionary bi-annual bonus – because your success drives ours.
• Health & wellness perks – including gym discounts, retail offers, and more.
• Respectful, inclusive culture – where your voice matters.
• Training & development – grow with us, every step of the way.
• Career Mobility & Growth – We actively promote from within and offer clear pathways to progress into senior roles or explore other departments.
• Cross-Training Opportunities – Expand your skillset by working across different freight modes and supply chain functions.
• Fast-Paced, High-Impact Work – Be part of a team that thrives on energy, agility, and delivering results under pressure.
• Make a Global Impact – Help major international brands deliver on time, every time - your work keeps global supply chains moving.
• Tech-Driven Efficiency – Work with industry-leading systems like Cargowise and MVT to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks.